Question: Leptospirosis?

Dr. Schaeberle,

My dog, Max is vaccinated for for leptospirosis. What is it?

Ed
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Hi Ed,

Leptospirosis is an illness caused by a group of bacteria in the genus Leptospira. These bacteria are typically shed in the urine of animals like raccoons, skunks, and others. Leptospirosis is zoonotic meaning both animals and people can become infected with the bacteria.

Dogs are frequently affected when they come into contact with an infected water supply like a pond or stream or even a puddle. Bacteria enter the body by ingestion or by entering a wound. Dogs used for hunting, who live on farms or in other rural areas or dogs who are not vaccinated are at higher risk. People are infected in the same manner but may also be infected if their dog has leptospirosis and the person comes in contact with the dog’s urine or saliva.

Symptoms in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, lethargy and sometimes increased thirst and urination. People generally experience flu-like symptoms. The bacteria typically target the liver and kidneys. In severe cases, liver or kidney failure may occur. Leptospirosis causes serious illness and can even be fatal. If caught early, the disease may be treated with antibiotics, though even with treatment, permanent damage to the liver or kidneys may occur.

Leptospirosis can be prevented by vaccination against the disease. Not allowing dogs to drink from ponds or other standing water, particularly in wooded areas or on farms can also reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Most distemper vaccines contain leptospirosis. Dogs, such as hunting dogs, who are at higher risk may benefit from a leptospira booster every six months. Some patients do seem to have an allergic reaction to the leptospira vaccine so talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of this vaccine to see if it fits your dog’s lifestyle.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

York Daily Record: Canine parvovirus threat on the rise

By GREG GROSS
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated: 08/18/2009 10:37:58 AM EDT

A veterinary hospital in southern York County has experienced an increase in patients infected with a deadly contagious canine disease.

Tiffany Main, practice manager at Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion, said veterinarians in the past two months have dealt with five positive cases of canine parvovirus. "Whenever we see an increase of a contagious virus we notify the (Pennsylvania) Department of Agriculture," she said, "If you see multiple cases, you want to get the word out there."

In addition to contacting the state agency, the hospital released a public service announcement concerning the increase parvovirus' cases. The parvovirus cases seen by Patton Veterinary Hospital hasn't been linked to a source, Main said.

Typically, when infected dogs are treated at the hospital, the disease is traced back to a certain point such as a breeder or a kennel, Main said.

Though a puppy that had been treated for the virus at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital recently died, Dr. Tom Schaeberle said he doesn't think there's a full-on outbreak of the disease.

Schaeberle owns Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Manchester and Dover townships.

"I don't think it's an epidemic," he said.

More cases tend to crop up over the summer months since dogs are in more contact with each other.

Symptoms of the virus include loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

The infection destroys the lining of a dog's intestinal tract causing little or no food or liquids to be absorbed, according the Patton Veterinary Hospital service announcement.

The illness is found mainly in puppies, however, older, unvaccinated dogs can pick up the disease.

The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected dog, contact with contaminated feces or vomit, and a contaminated environment.

Humans can transport the disease, though it's not possible for a person to contract the illness, Schaeberle said.

The best way to avoid the disease is to vaccinate puppies, he said.

A regimen of vaccines can be administrated to puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

"It's a tough virus," Schaeberle said. "It can really hang on in the right conditions."

PREVENTION

Here are a few tips on how to prevent you pet from becoming infected with canine parvovirus.

Vaccination is recommended to prevent canine parvovirus. Puppies should be vaccinated at 8 weeks of age, and then every three or four weeks until 4 months of age. Puppies who are 16 weeks or older should receive three vaccinations.

Parvovirus is resilient and can live on some surfaces for more than a year. A bleach solution is necessary to kill the virus.

Care should be exercised when exposing a puppy or dog to areas where other dogs congregate. Owners should prevent dogs from coming into contact with the feces of other dogs.

Source: www.animalhealthchannel.com

Thanks goes to Greg Gross for writing such an informative article about Canine Parvo virus! We really appreciate journalists who help make the public aware of potential illnesses that our furry friends can contract. Thanks again for taking the time to help us spread the word!